Rider University student killed walking along NJ highway on-ramp

WAYNE (AP) — A Rider University student was killed walking along a highway on-ramp in northern New Jersey on Friday.

State police say 21-year-old Michael Pascrell was on the right side of the on-ramp that leads from Route 80 to Route 46 eastbound in Wayne when he was struck by a around 10:15 p.m. Friday. The 21-year-old Wayne resident was taken to a hospital, where he died early Saturday.

Pascrell, a 2010 Wayne Valley High School Graduate, attended Rider University where he was studying International Business Management and leadership.

“Mike had the innate ability to brighten anyone’s day,” said Ally Coryell, close friend to Pascrell. “It was rare to ever see him without a smile.” Coryell described Pascrell as selfless, genuine and willing to do anything for a person with no questions asked. “His passing is the epitome of a tragedy because he had an unexplainable amount of potential,” said Coryell.

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Pascrell was supposed to graduate in 2014.

Authorities say the driver, identified only as a Pennsylvania resident, was navigating the ramp when Pascrell was struck. No charges have been filed, but the investigation is ongoing.